The human tail

The coccyx or tailbone is useful in mammals that use tails for balance, species-to-species signaling and support. However amongst the human race, researchers have yet to find its function. We know that all human embryos initially have a tail during development, but that they normally regress into four or five fused vertebrae, resulting in the coccyx.

Yet there have been numerous cases where children have been born with the extended coccyx, or tail. This allegedly happens because the gene that normally stops vertebrae elongation is decreased resulting in a one to five inch human tail that is present at birth.

The appendix

In various herbivorous animals, a similar sac which resembles the human appendix can be found which is used to aid in the digestion of a high cellulose diet.

In humans, scientists have yet to determine its role in the body, some even claiming it may have an auxiliary function as an aid to the immune system. Nonetheless, the appendix could be a major pain, quite literally to some people. If an inflammation of the appendix, known as appendicitis, isn’t treated speedily, it can result in a fatal rupture of the appendix.

Goose bumps

When we get goose bumps, it’s an action of muscle fibres called erector pili which cause the hair follicles to stand to attention. In animals such as the cat, they use these muscles to puff up in order to appear bigger to a threat. Birds puff up their feathers for added insulation or warmth.

In our species, we have minimal hair and so this function proves fruitless. However, the small expenditure of energy used to contract the muscles could perhaps release a tiny amount of heat.

The most common use for goose bumps in modern day society has become one of showing a sense of being overwhelmed, amazed and or horrified. So perhaps it has evolved into a form of communication.

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, otherwise known as third molars can theoretically be used for chewing once they’ve cut but one in three people will experience problems when this happens. Many things can go wrong: anything from them growing out sideways, causing pain and infection, or simply having no space to grow in the jaw. This has led scientists to conclude that they serve no real or significant purpose.

Male nipples

While they have no real function, it’s fairly simple why males have nipples today and not a plain hairy chest. During the embryonic stage, every fetus is sexless yet the development of the nipples has already occurred. It is only when the chromosomes trigger off certain hormones at approximately five months that the gender of the fetus is determined. Whether you look at it as men having started out as women or men being designed to have nipples, their current purpose is still unknown.

If you’re an evolutionist, you might believe that all these traits were used by our ancestors and have now slowly started withering away because there’s no longer a use for them. You might also believe that we simply haven’t found their use yet. Whatever it may be, it’s still interesting to know that we all harbor little mysteries that have yet to be decoded.

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